Shoaib Akhtar’s Nostalgia for Pakistan’s Fast Bowling Line-Up
Former national team speedster Shoaib Akhtar, fondly known as the Rawalpindi Express, reminisces about Pakistan’s current fast bowling talents, drawing parallels with the iconic era of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
Golden Era Flashback
During an interview with Asia Cup 2023 broadcaster Star Sports, Shoaib Akhtar praised Pakistan’s current fast bowling trio, Naseem, Haris, and Shaheen, and drew comparisons with the legendary pair of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
High Praise for the Young Talents
Shoaib Akhtar expressed his admiration for the rising stars. He acknowledged that Shaheen Shah Afridi is currently at the peak of his career, while Haris is following a similar trajectory. He also advised Naseem Shah to focus on delivering wicket-taking deliveries instead of becoming a stock bowler. Shoaib emphasized his delight at Pakistan’s consistent ability to produce such promising fast bowlers.
Pakistan’s World Cup Prospects
Shoaib Akhtar confidently labeled the national team as the favorite for the upcoming World Cup in India. Additionally, he predicted defeats for the Indian team in both the Asia Cup 2023 and the mega event.
Dominance in Asia Cup 2023
In the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan’s trio of pacers has already claimed 23 wickets in three matches, setting a formidable pace for the World Cup in India. Their remarkable performance includes unsettling the top order in the high-stakes clash against traditional rivals India. Unfortunately, the match was ultimately abandoned due to rain, resulting in both teams receiving one point each.
Rich Legacy of Pakistani Fast Bowlers
Shoaib Akhtar highlighted Pakistan’s rich history of producing exceptional fast bowlers, with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis amassing over 900 ODI wickets between them. This legacy extends to legendary figures like Fazal Mehmood, Sarfaraz Nawaz, and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.
In summary, Shoaib Akhtar’s admiration for Pakistan’s emerging fast bowlers and his optimism about the national team’s prospects in the upcoming World Cup reflect the rich cricketing tradition of producing world-class fast bowlers that Pakistan has maintained over the years.
